Long stints comfort Mercedes ahead of the race

After not taking any unnecessary risks in EL1 on a tricky track, Mercedes showed that it will be necessary to reckon with the W10s on a route where the Ferrari SF90 are highly anticipated with their raw power and high top speed.

But the outgoing five-time winners of the Monza event intend to give the answer to Charles Leclerc et Sebastian Vettel this Sunday. And the free practice sessions this Friday, despite unclear track conditions, particularly in EL1, seem to reassure Lewis Hamilton et Valtteri Bottas.

“There were no big differences with the last race, with Ferrari having a good top speed, analyzes the reigning world champion. We are strong on race pace but maybe a little closer on a single lap. There will be a fight.

I expected them to be fast on the straight, which they are, but there are enough corners where we can make up time. They're not that quick through the corners, so that balances things out. »

“We managed to get a feeling with the car, which didn't behave too badly, comments Bottas for his part. I didn't benefit from good aspiration on my fastest lap, but otherwise I felt good and it was quite positive on the long runs, with more fuel.

We knew Ferrari was going to be strong, but it was no worse than Spa for us. Of course we have a good chance this weekend and while qualifying is key, the most important thing is Sunday and the pace of the race. »

Regarding qualifying, Valtteri Bottas does not hide an element which will undoubtedly be essential to aim for pole position tomorrow afternoon in Lombardy. “I think we have an opportunity (for pole), but we need perfect adjustment and also good suction. »

Team play or better positioning on the track tomorrow during the decisive moment? Answer in Q3!